Evaluating a Research Training Programme for Frontline Health Workers in Conflict-Affected and Fragile Settings in the Middle East

Abstract Background Health Research Capacity Building (HRCB) is key to improving standards of research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which would help inform appropriate policies and reduce health disparities in conflict settings. However, few HRCB programmes are available in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and few evaluations of HRCB globally are reported in the literature. Methods Through a qualitative longitudinal design, we evaluated the first implementation of the Centre for Research and Education in the Ecology of War (CREEW) fellowship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fellows (n = 5) throughout the programme at key phases during their completion of courses and at each research phase. Additional data was collected from supervisors and peers of fellows at their professional organisations. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis and presented under pre-identified themes. Results Despite the success of most fellows in learning how to conduct research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in conflict settings and completing the fellowship by producing research papers, important challenges were identified. Results are categorised under predefined categories of (1) course delivery, (2) proposal development, (3) Institutional Review Board (IRB) application, (4) data collection, (5) data analysis, (6) manuscript write-up, (7) long-term effects, and (8) mentorship and networking. Conclusion The CREEW model, based on this evaluation, shows potential to be replicable and scalable to other contexts and other health-related topics. Detailed discussion and analysis are presented in the manuscript and synthesised recommendations are highlighted for future programmes to consider during the design, implementation, and evaluation of such programmes.